Batman: Arkham Origins is official; Rocksteady not developing

We know it exists of course. But now Batman: Arkham Origins exists officially.

The game, which is a prequel to Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, is being developed by WB Games Montréal and not the series’ long-term developer Rocksteady.

WB Montréal handled the Wii U port of Arkham City.

The game features an expanded Gotham City – around twice the size of before – and “a young and unrefined Batman” who “faces a defining moment in his early career as a crime fighter that sets his path to becoming the Dark Knight”.

Unlike Arkham City which worked on the presumption that the player had a working knowledge of Batman mythology, in Origins the Caped Crusader will be encountering many of his famous foes for the first time and forging new relationships with recognisable allies.

Further details of the game have also emerged from Game Informer. It takes place on Christmas Eve and is influenced by Batman: Year One and Legends of the Dark Knight. Villains Black Mask and the Penguin have been confirmed. In-game combat, meanwhile, will remain largely unchanged.

“Batman: Arkham is a huge triple-A video game franchise and we are delighted to expand the experience with Batman: Arkham Origins,” Warner Interactive president Martin Tremblay stated.

“WB Games Montréal has an incredibly talented team building upon Rocksteady’s award-winning gameplay and technology to deliver a deep, immersive, quality experience fans will love.”

A release on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U and PC has been confirmed for October 25th.

2.5D 3DS and Vita spin-off Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is due out on the same day. That’s being developed by Armature Studio which is the outfit behind the Vita version of Metal Gear Solid HD Collection. It houses many former Retro Studios staffers whose credits include Nintendo’s Metroid Prime Trilogy.

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